Andalay Solar Systems Being Used in DCSEU-Funded Solar Initiative Led by WDC Solar

SAN JOSE, Calif., July 22, 2014 /PRNewswire/ -- Andalay Solar, Inc. (OTCQB:WEST), a leading manufacturer of integrated solar power systems, proudly announced that its panels are now being used for a solar initiative pioneered by DC Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) in conjunction with Washington, D.C.-based contractors, including WDC Solar, Inc.

Mark Davis, CEO of WDC Solar, began working with the DCSEU in 2012 to convert houses in low-income communities in Washington, D.C. to solar energy. As housing prices in the nation's capital continue to skyrocket, this initiative is designed to ensure that income-qualified residents have access to renewable energy technology that would otherwise be too costly for them to install on their own. With this new partnership, these residents should now be able to reap the environmental benefits of solar as well as decrease their utility bills. Moreover, this program opens up new "green collar" job opportunities for District residents; job training is offered to those participants who wish to join the solar workforce.

"Working with local D.C. contractors, the DCSEU has installed over 130 PV systems on single-family homes at no cost to homeowners, with an average estimated savings of 3,412 kWh annually per installation," explains George L. Nichols, the Policy and Public Affairs Manager at the DCSEU. "The DCSEU is proud to offer this program to income-qualified residents who would not otherwise have the opportunity to benefit from renewable energy technology and the benefits it offers."

WDC Solar expects to install systems for 30 additional homeowners before September 2014. These systems will feature Andalay's innovative plug-and-play technology that seamlessly integrates racking, wiring, and grounding into the solar panels. As a result, the systems can be assembled quickly and safely, compared to ordinary solar installs, and are expected to save residents from long-term operations and maintenance costs.

"I find that there are three primary advantages to installing the Andalay System," says Mark Davis, CEO of WDC Solar. "For one, having fewer parts means less trips up and down the ladder for our installers. Second, micro-inverters being attached to the panels cut installation time while producing more energy. Lastly, there is less waste—we notice that we have less trash at the end of the day, which means a cleaner environment."

"We are very excited about this project to serve as a catalyst to enable solar adoption among income-qualified residents," says Steven Chan, CEO of Andalay Solar. "We believe that our easy-to-install systems are optimal for a relatively new-to-solar installer workforce to quickly learn how to install solar systems.  Given that Andalay's fully integrated solar system can save up to 50% of labor time and provide longer term reliability on wire management, this will help make solar for housing much more affordable for D.C. residents who participate in the program."

About WDC Solar, Inc.:

WDC Solar, Inc. is a vertically integrated solar photovoltaic (PV) energy company. Our core business is comprised of commercial and residential solar installations. WDC Solar also has prepared a detailed solar installation training curriculum to train regional residents to obtain green jobs in the area.

WDC Solar's mission is to: (i) create "livable" wage green technology jobs for local electricians, roofers, solar technicians and engineers, (ii) improve our environment, (iii) make solar energy available to all, and (iv) keep valuable "green" dollars in local communities. For more information, visit www.wdcsolar.com.

About D.C. Sustainable Energy Utility:

The District of Columbia Sustainable Energy Utility (DCSEU) helps DC residents and businesses use less energy and save money. Since 2011, the DCSEU has delivered financial incentives, technical assistance, and information to tens of thousands of District residents and businesses, helping them to save millions of dollars on their energy costs. Our work is building a brighter economic, environmental, and energy future for the District. For more information, visit www.dcseu.com.

About Andalay Solar: (OTCQB:WEST)

Founded in 2001, the Company is a designer and manufacturer of integrated solar power systems. The Company has been a pioneer in the concept of integrating the racking, wiring and grounding directly into a solar panel. The Company's AC solar panel reduces the number of components for a rooftop solar installation by approximately 80% and lower labor costs by approximately 50%. This AC panel, which won the 2009 Popular Mechanics Breakthrough Award, has become the industry's most widely installed AC solar panel. The Company currently sells its new generation "Instant Connect®" products in both AC and DC format which provide the best combination of safety, performance and reliability. For more information on the Company, visit www.andalaysolar.com.

Forward-Looking and Cautionary Statements - Safe Harbor

Statements made in this release that are not historical in nature, including those related to market acceptance of products, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Safe Harbor Provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "expects," "projects," "plans," "will," "may," "can," "anticipates," "believes," "should," "intends," "estimates," and other words of similar meaning. These statements include all statements related to the ability to provide income-qualified resident access to the Company's renewable energy technology through the DCSEU initiative, the installation of 30 systems before September 2014 and the expected benefits to be derived from the use of the Company's products.  The statements are subject to risks and uncertainties that cannot be predicted or quantified, and our actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks associated with the success of the DCSEU initiative. All forward-looking statements included in this release are made as of the date of this press release, and Andalay Solar assumes no obligation to update any such forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Andalay Solar, Inc.